PALATKA – With the dynamics of the legal profession becoming more complex, the evolving role of a paralegal is becoming more of an essential part of legal representation.

In response to those complexities, along with a strong projected job outlook, St. Johns River State College will offer an associate in science degree in Paralegal Studies online this fall – a new career pathway endorsed by the Clay, Putnam and St. Johns County Bar Associations.

“Where there was once an oversupply of attorneys in the area, there is now a significant undersupply of qualified legal assistants and paralegals. A program at SJR State would be most welcomed to the entire local legal community,” Seth Studer, former President of the Clay County Bar Association, said in a letter supporting the new program.

Rebecca Emert, former President of the St. Johns County Bar Association, agreed and concluded that the recent exponential growth throughout her county has created an ever-increasing demand for legal services.

“The proposed program would be of vital assistance to the local practitioners in this booming legal market. There will be ample opportunity for students to obtain internships as well as gainful employment upon graduation,” she wrote.

Putnam County’s Bar Association President Alex Sharp wrote, “Not only will this strengthen our ability to provide competent legal services, but it will also provide new professional and career opportunities for our residents.”

The program will give students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills across a broad range of legal topics, with an emphasis on real-world practice and a focus on performing duties with the highest level of ethics and professionalism. Paralegal careers can offer competitive salaries and take graduates virtually anywhere in the legal profession with legal teams representing a wide range of clients including individuals, professional organizations, corporations and government agencies.

Students who complete the program will be eligible to sit for the certified paralegal exam administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Visit https://sjrstate.edu/paralegal-studies to learn more about the program. Classes begin August 2024.